Hariesh Manaadiar

South Africa's logistics and warehousing sector faces challenges in a number of areas that are worth highlighting here to get an overall picture of what we're facing: 1. Infrastructure: Limited investment in transportation networks, ports, and warehouses, leading to congestion and inefficiencies. 2. Technology: Slow adoption of digital technologies like automation, AI, and blockchain, hindering efficiency and competitiveness. 3. Skills gap: Shortage of skilled professionals in supply chain management, logistics, and warehousing. 4. Customs clearance: Bureaucratic processes and limited automation cause delays and increased costs. 5. Transportation costs: High fuel prices, tolls, and labor costs contribute to logistics expenses. 6. Regional integration: Inefficient trade facilitation and limited coordination with neighboring countries hinder regional trade. 7. Security concerns: Cargo theft, hijacking, and damage remain significant concerns. 8. Warehousing: Inadequate and outdated facilities lead to inefficiencies and reduced capacity. 9. Supply chain management: Limited visibility, traceability, and tracking capabilities cause delays and inefficiencies. 10. Regulatory framework: Complex regulations create uncertainty and obstacles for businesses. Addressing these challenges is crucial for South Africa's logistics and warehousing sector to become more competitive, efficient, and integrated into global supply chains. #LogisticsAndSupplyChainManagement #SupplyChainOptimization #LogisticsAndTransportation #DigitalTransformationInLogistics #SupplyChainResilience

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The warehousing and logistics sector in South Africa faces various challenges that impact its efficiency, productivity, and overall growth. These include: 1. Infrastructure constraints: Inadequate road networks, port congestion, and limited rail connectivity hinder the smooth movement of goods. 2. High transportation costs: Fuel prices, tolls, and vehicle maintenance expenses contribute to elevated logistics costs. 3. Security concerns: Theft, hijacking, and damage to goods and vehicles pose significant risks. 4. Skills shortages: A lack of qualified professionals in logistics and supply chain management hampers sector development. 5. Bureaucratic red tape: Complex regulations and customs clearance procedures cause delays and increase costs. 6. Limited technology adoption: Inefficient use of technology, such as warehouse management systems, hinders operational efficiency. 7. Capacity constraints: Inadequate warehousing space and equipment lead to congestion and inefficiencies. 8. Energy costs and reliability: High electricity costs and frequent power outages impact warehousing and logistics operations. 9. Regulatory compliance: Meeting stringent regulations, such as those related to customs, tax, and labor, can be challenging. 10. Economic uncertainty: Fluctuating exchange rates, economic downturns, and political instability affect sector growth. Recommendations 1. Invest in infrastructure development (roads, ports, rail). 2. Implement cost-saving technologies (electric vehicles, renewable energy). 3. Enhance security measures (CCTV, access control, insurance). 4. Develop training programs for logistics professionals. 5. Streamline regulations and customs procedures. 6. Encourage technology adoption (WMS, automation). 7. Increase warehousing capacity and equipment investment. 8. Explore alternative energy sources. 9. Foster public-private partnerships. 10. Promote economic stability and policy consistency. Conclusion Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between industry stakeholders, government, and other parties. By understanding and tackling these issues, the warehousing and logistics sector in South Africa can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance its competitiveness.

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Agility Meets Strategy: Pindulo Logistics. Being a player in the Namibian logistics industry demands a balance of agility and strategic foresight. At Pindulo Logistics, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of this intricate dance, proactively adapting to external market forces, shifting trends, and the dynamic expectations of our esteemed clients and society at large. Our commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in our ability to anticipate and respond swiftly to the changing patterns that shape our industry. Our approach is guided by a profound understanding of the intricate interplay of; “act regional and think global”. We take immense pride in our agility, which allows us to pivot and seize opportunities that others may overlook. At Pindulo Logistics, we don't just react to change; we proactively shape it, setting new benchmarks for innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. #AgilityIsPower #TrustedPartner #InnovationLeaders #CustomerSatisfactionDriven #NamibianLogisticsRedefined

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Container Movement in SA: Insights and Opportunities Last week brought some much-needed positivity for South Africa’s ports, with container throughput increasing by an impressive 18.6%, according to the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa). The jump to 12,013 TEUs per day is a testament to resilience, despite challenges such as adverse weather, equipment breakdowns, and operational inefficiencies. As a logistics professional and founder of Streamline Logistic Services, these numbers highlight two critical insights: 1️⃣ The Importance of Agility: With Cape Town seeing over 30 hours of delays and Durban grappling with breakdowns and weather, it’s clear that flexibility and proactive problem-solving are essential to navigate the complexities of supply chain disruptions. 2️⃣ The Need for Collaboration: The challenges of a vacant berth, inclement weather, and underprepared terminals in ports like Richards Bay emphasize the importance of seamless partnerships between logistics providers and infrastructure players. At Streamline Logistic Services, we specialize in freight forwarding and customs clearing, offering tailored solutions that ensure goods move efficiently—even in unpredictable circumstances. Our focus is on mitigating delays and optimizing supply chain operations to support businesses that rely on these critical trade arteries. This improvement in container throughput is a step in the right direction, but it also underscores the need for continuous innovation and collaboration within the industry. Let’s work together to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. If your business is looking to navigate these evolving dynamics with confidence, let's connect!

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The Red Sea shipping crisis, fueled by Houthi attacks, severely impacts global trade and supply chains, worsened by the war in Ukraine and climate change effects in the Panama Canal. This crisis disrupts vital shipping routes, like the Suez Canal, leading to rerouting around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs and delivery times significantly. The crisis not only raises geopolitical tensions but also escalates shipping costs, affecting global inflation and supply chains. The situation highlights the vulnerability of global trade to conflicts, emphasizing the need for adaptive logistics strategies.

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Let's Discuss: Addressing the Challenges in South African Supply Chain Management As professionals in the supply chain management industry, we face various challenges that impact our businesses, the economy, and society. Some of the pressing concerns in South African supply chain management include: - Freight Rail and Port Deficiencies: Ongoing freight rail and port deficiencies will continue to impact businesses, and we must prepare for further supply-chain challenges this year. - Domestic Challenges: South Africa faces various domestic challenges that will disrupt supply chains in 2024, particularly those involving rail and port logistics. - Erratic Energy Supply: The country's erratic energy supply, struggling public institutions, and high levels of unemployment and crime are significant challenges we must address. - Prioritize Domestic Sourcing: To mitigate these issues, we must prioritize domestic sourcing, production, and distribution, and reduce our reliance on supply chains affected by conflict. Additionally, we need to stay focused on: - Digitalization and Technology: Adopting digital technologies like blockchain and IoT is crucial for transforming supply chain management in South Africa. - Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Companies must prioritize sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint in their supply chains. Now, let's open the conversation: - What are your thoughts on the current state of South African supply chain management? - How have you addressed similar challenges in your own organization? - What solutions or strategies do you think could effectively mitigate these risks? By sharing our experiences, expertise, and ideas, we can work together to find solutions that benefit the entire industry. Let's continue the conversation in the comments below and explore ways to build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain management system. Remember, it's essential for stakeholders – including businesses, government, and industry leaders – to take proactive steps to address these challenges and ensure a more resilient and sustainable supply chain management system. Let's work together to shape the future of South African supply chain management. Share your thoughts and let's start a meaningful conversation!

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Update of what happened this week 1.Launch of the Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA) This new association aims to enhance the efficiency and connectivity of South Africa’s logistics network. 2.Unitrans’ Centre of Excellence: Unitrans launched a Centre of Excellence to improve supply chain solutions across Africa, focusing on cost efficiencies and safety. 3.Transnova’s Recognition Transnova was named E2open Reseller of the Year at the Customer Connect conference in Orlando, Florida2. They also showcased an innovative Digital Twin Logistics Model at the Fruit Attraction conference in Madrid. 4.Challenges Highlighted by PwC PwC emphasized the need for South African companies to reduce reliance on conflict-affected supply chains and prioritize domestic sourcing. They also flagged issues like erratic energy supply, struggling public institutions, and high unemployment.

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Southern Africa’s infrastructure boom presents a unique opportunity for the project cargo logistics industry. By embracing innovative solutions, building partnerships, and adapting to local needs, logistics companies can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. As infrastructure projects rise across the landscape, efficient project cargo delivery will be the cornerstone of a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable Southern Africa. https://lnkd.in/dVM3miJr

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CMA CGM SA, the world’s third-largest container carrier, reported that freight rates have likely peaked, with spot container rates softening recently after a significant second-quarter spike. This stabilization follows disruptions caused by extended shipping routes around southern Africa to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which led to substantial port congestion in the Mediterranean and absorbed much of the vessel overcapacity. Despite ongoing challenges and front-loading shipments in anticipation of higher American tariffs and potential dockworker strikes, the company's CFO, Ramon Fernandez, noted that rates are plateauing, particularly for the Asia-North Europe and Asia-Mediterranean lines.

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Keep on your toes! Every quarter the Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes the SPPI - price indices for various business sectors including logistics. I always like to see how it compares with Transport Exchange Group’s TEG indices. For those who follow my posts regularly, that funny with the SPPI for road freight looking abnormally low has now been revised, but it’s still low compared with the TEG. And now there seems to be a funny with courier rates moving apart. Read on… https://lnkd.in/dJmdnk9r What’s on the graphs? The left one is for haulage (blue) and the right for courier (orange). Each graph shows two indices – the solid line is the TEG and the dotted one the corresponding SPPI. And what’s causing the differences the two graphs demonstrate? We’ve seen big separations between the various indices before – most notably during the driver crisis of 2021 and when fuel prices rose following Ukraine. For haulage, those using contractual services will be managing their costs, while those using the spot market will be paying more. It may have been imagined that there would be a tight market for HGV drivers following the DQC deadline back in September, but actually that deadline has been and gone with no overall impact …current pay rates will have helped! On the courier side, the SPPI includes parcels services to an extent that the TEG won’t, and we know some home delivery charges have been increasing. Here, the cost advantage seems to be with those who haven’t committed, as the fuel price is back to a level last seen in 2021, and with no duty increase in the budget. The TEG indices are based on the average ppm for spot rates organised via the Transport Exchange Group platforms – these start in January 2019 at 100. The SPPI* indices are from regular surveys of businesses asking what prices they charge for various services. I’ve rebased the SPPI indices to start at 100 for Q1 2019, so roughly the same start point. As I’ve mentioned before, the SPPI indices move more smoothly than TEG – partly because they include more contractual deals and because being quarterly irons out the bumps – but, being quarterly, the SPPI is always slightly behind the times, hence not getting to the ‘end’ of the graphs. The SPPI is a series of quarterly indices – it stands for Services Producer Price Inflation and is like the CPI for consumer inflation but measures the changes in prices paid for services from UK businesses. Ref the courier index, ‘Other’ means that it’s not ‘Postal Services Under Universal Service Obligation’, which is mainly Royal Mail. https://lnkd.in/efv3gzzN Some of the difference between the two graphs is around the balance of perceived risk as we go into the peak season - what it does show, is that in buying transport services, you always need to keep on your toes!

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Attention Supply Chain Professionals! 🚚📦 We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 5th Pan African Supply Chain Awards! This prestigious event recognises the exceptional projects, individuals, and organisations that have made significant contributions to the supply chain industry across Africa. 🌍 Why Nominate? - Celebrate Excellence: Shine a spotlight on those who have demonstrated outstanding innovation, resilience, and leadership in supply chain management. - Gain Recognition: Highlight the achievements of your team or peers on a continental stage, gaining industry-wide acknowledgment. - Inspire Growth: Encourage continuous improvement and set benchmarks for excellence in the supply chain sector.

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Shoutout to the newest EAC Profile-verified transporter: #Lifeline Transport Limited out of Mombasa, Kenya! Starting strong with one truck hauling general freight, #Lifeline Transport Limited is proof that you don’t need a fleet to make an impact in the logistics industry—you just need credibility and determination. With the support of Apexloads and the EAC Profile, they’re set to grow, and we’re here to empower that journey from 1 to 2 trucks, then 5, then 100! If you're a freight forwarder or broker moving goods around Mombasa, look no further than a reliable, EAC Profile-verified transporter ready to take on your loads. Remember, it's not about the number of trucks; it’s about being legit! Let’s fuel growth and transparency in Africa’s logistics! #Apexloads #EACProfile #LogisticsTransformation #VerifiedTransporters

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The container shipping market has experienced a significant shift in recent weeks, with a dramatic increase in spot rates due to a surge in demand that has outpaced capacity on key ocean trade routes. This change comes after a period of adjustment to longer transit times around southern Africa, necessitated by security concerns in the Red Sea. The unexpected rise in bookings has caught many industry experts off guard, signaling a robust demand for Asian imports across North America, Europe, and Brazil. This surge has strained ship capacity and container equipment availability, leading to a critical situation at North Asian ports, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The pandemic's impact on employment has left U.S. logistics managers cautious, eager to avoid stock shortages following a period of reduced inventories. The looming uncertainty of global elections, including those in the European Union, has heightened industry anxiety, contributing to a sense of urgency among logistics professionals worldwide. In response to competitive pressures from countries like Vietnam and Mexico, China has increased its market presence, intensifying the flow of goods into the market. This situation is further complicated by the political rhetoric surrounding U.S.-China trade relations, with both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump expressing their positions, which could influence future tariff policies. Economists have expressed surprise at the robustness of container demand, which appears to be inconsistent with U.S. GDP growth and inventory levels. The current market dynamics suggest that factors beyond simple front-loading of shipments are at play, indicating a complex interplay of economic, political, and logistical elements driving the container shipping industry's current state. The global shipping industry is currently facing significant strain, with key indicators pointing towards a system operating at its limits. This bottleneck effect has led to a notable absorption of global shipping capacity. In response to these pressures, the market has seen a sharp increase in container ship charter rates, with a record 10% week-to-week rise recently observed. The scarcity of equipment is further exacerbating the situation, as leasing rates for containers have surged dramatically. Spot rates for shipping containers from Asia to North America are approaching the high levels experienced during the pandemic. The ongoing disruptions in Suez Canal transits continue to contribute to the capacity crunch, with industry experts not expecting relief until the latter part of the year, aligning with the Golden Week in October. Despite the anticipated delivery of additional TEUs from shipyards, the current scenario reflects a critical view of the past year's aggressive vessel ordering, highlighting the challenges of forecasting in a dynamic global trade environment.  #containershipping #shipping #suezcanal #logistics #redsea #containervessel #transit

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Shout out to #Kndale Investment Limited, the newest transporter to get EAC verified! Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with 6 trucks specializing in general freight, #Kndale Investment Limited is setting the standard for credibility and reliability in the East African logistics market. In today’s logistics landscape, credibility is the currency that drives efficiency and trust. As transporters and logistics service providers, we owe it to ourselves—and the entire industry—to uphold high standards of transparency and accountability. The EAC Profile verification is more than just a badge; it's a symbol of a unified, credible approach to moving freight across the region seamlessly. Are you a 3PL in the East African Community? If you haven't gotten your EAC number yet, it's time to ask yourself: What are you waiting for? By getting verified, you're not only improving your own operations but also contributing to a stronger, more reliable logistics ecosystem. Visit eacprofile.com to learn more and get EAC verified. Together, let's build a future where African logistics stands tall on the pillars of efficiency and transparency! The future of African logistics is here. Are you ready to be part of it?

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𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻 𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗜𝗻 𝗔 𝗥𝗼𝘄 26 September 2024 - Stabilised container throughput week-on-week has been confirmed by the latest box handling data contained in the Cargo Movement Update (CUM) compiled by SAAFF NPC (Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders NPC) and Business Unity SA (Busa). An average of 7 939 containers were handled per day, essentially the same as last week’s 7 940 containers, the CUM said. Adverse weather conditions, equipment breakdowns, and shortages continued to constrain operations at the national ports, said Saaff and Busa. https://lnkd.in/dXFqVeDw #southafrica #southafricanbusiness #freightnews #portnews #shippingnews #receivablesmanagent #tradecreditinsurance #receivablesmanagent #creditinsurance #tradeinsurance #exportinsurance #importinsurance

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💡Did you know? South Africa's logistics sector is a vibrant hub of innovation, embracing technologies like blockchain, AI and big data analytics to enhance efficiency and transparency. A crucial element in this evolution is the right Transport Management System. Which streamlines operations, optimizes routes and ensures timely deliveries. As the industry continues to evolve, the right TMS will be instrumental in driving growth and competitiveness. 💻📡📲🚛 #Logistics #Innovation #TMS

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Shipping Crisis Drives Inflation. The logistics industry must prepare for rising costs and longer delivery times due to international conflict in the Red Sea. Houthi rebel attacks have forced ships to divert from the Suez Canal route, opting instead for the lengthy journey around the southern tip of Africa. This detour increases fuel consumption and causes significant delays. The logistics sector must prepare for these disruptions, which are compounded by a rush on exports from China to the US, spurred by potential new tariffs under Donald Trump's possible reelection. This has created severe congestion at the port of Singapore—the worst since COVID-19. We need to be informed so we can all navigate these challenges and minimize the impact on consumers and the broader economy. #ShippingCrisis #GlobalTrade #Logistics #Inflation #SupplyChain

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South Africa exported 38 730 tons of maize last week. Of this volume 60% was exported to Zimbabwe, and the balance to the rest of the neighbouring African countries. This places South Africa's total maize exports in 2024/25 marketing year at 366 009 tonnes out of the expected exports of 1.4 million tons (down to 3.4 million tonnes in the 2023/24 season because of the mid summer drought). Moreover, while South Africa will likely remain the net exporter in the 2024/25 marketing year, the coastel regions will import small volumes of yellow maize for animal feed because of price advantage. We have recently seen the imports of yellow maize from Argentina trough Cape Town. South Africa's 2024/25 maize imports currently stand on 100 346 tonnes.

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